Arsenal fans say defender who played vs Athletic Bilbao is a ‘unicorn’, could be a game-changer this season

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Arsenal fans were blown away by the display of one of their defenders against Athletic Bilbao, describing him as a “unicorn”.

The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners over the Basque side in Saturday’s friendly at the Emirates Stadium, their last one before the Premier League season starts.

Viktor Gyokeres opened his account for Arsenal as he headed home in the 34th minute – silencing the doubters who thought he wasn’t made for scoring headers.

Bukayo Saka then added a second just two minutes later, planting the ball into the empty net after Unai Simon was caught in no man’s land.

Kai Havertz then made it 3-0 in the latter stages of the game, racing across the halfway line to pounce on the loose ball before charging on to score.

Plenty of players received plaudits from fans, but Riccardo Calafiori was especially impressive, leading to supporters backing him to be a potential game-changer in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware.

Riccardo Calafiori deemed a ‘unicorn’ by Arsenal fans

Calafiori started for Arsenal against Athletic and it didn’t take long for him to show he’s a nailed-on starter when fit.

The Italy international offered lots going forward, was incredibly fluid, and helped bring the best out of Gabriel Martinelli on the left-hand side.

“Look at the fluidity with an interchangeable double pivot of Zubimendi-Rice & then an overlapper on the left like Calafiori,” one fan wrote on X.

“It frees up Saka to be 1v1 on the other side, among other things. Simple, but so effective.”

Another fan said: “If Calafiori can stay for the entire season then we are definitely winning something. He is so damn good!”

The praise kept coming, with one fan writing: “Calafiori has got to stay fit man he’s just a unicorn of a footballer, so so good.”

Another said: “Calafiori’s fitness is going to be key for our chances of winning trophies this season.”

Another fan wrote: “Do not underestimate how crucial Calafiori has been on today’s showing. So dynamic!”

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Riccardo Calafiori’s goal for this season

Calafiori is well aware that he has to deal with a fair few fitness issues, which have hampered his time at Arsenal.

This is something he is looking to put right this season as he looks to maintain his fitness and improve his consistency.

In June, Calafiori told Gianluca di Marzio, per beIN Sports: “At Arsenal, I’m very happy.

“I always feel good in any position I play in order to help the team. What was missing last season was consistency, and I’ll look to find that consistency next season.”

He added: “When I felt good, I always played and made a difference in the team. So the goal next season is to be in form for the whole season.”